Originally scheduled to open October 1997, the Mexican premiere of Blood Brothers (Hermanos de Sangre) will finally begin previews May 8 for a May 14 opening night at Mexico City's Teatro de los Insurgentes.

The Willy Russell international award-winning hit was originally announced to open at the new Teatro Alameda 2, where construction is still delayed. Instead of waiting more time until the Alameda gets finished, the producers decided to mount the show at the Insurgentes, which was recently vacated by Fame.

The Teatro Insurgentes is one of Mexico City's most important theatres, it's conveniently located at the Insurgentes Sur Avenue (south of the city) and has housed hits like Me and My Girl, A Chorus Line and 42nd Street.

Mexican actress and singer Julissa along with her two sons, Benny and Alejandro Ibarra, star in the Mexican Blood Brothers, which is directed by Jose Luis Ibanez (Mame, Hello Dolly!, La Cage Aux Folles).

Julissa produced and starred in the Mexican productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.She also produced the 1985 children-cast revival of Grease! (Vaselina) starring her sons Benny and Alejandro Ibarra. Also in the cast of Brothers are Aracely Arambula as Linda, Alejandro Peraza as The Narrator, Martha Escobar as Mrs. Lyons, and Paul Bouche as Sammy. Joan Mondellini choreographs.

Jorge Ferro, who produced Blood Brothers in Buenos Aires, is designing the sets and lights for the show in Mexico, while Graciela Castillo is in charge of the costume designs.

Produced by Julissa and Televiteatro, Hermanos de Sangre will play at the Teatro de los Insurgentes on Thurs. and Fri at 8 PM, Sat. at 6 PM & 9 PM, and Sun. at 5 PM & 8 PM. For information and tickets call Boletel at (52-5) 420 7777.

--By Claudio Carrera
Mexico Correspondent